The Formula 1 drivers are facing a challenging end to the season. The final three races of the year form a grueling triple-header: Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The immense flying distances between the Grand Prix weekends have drawn much criticism.
The Toughest Sequence of the Year
With three races left on the calendar, the Formula 1 season is nearing its climax. Verstappen has the chance to secure his fourth world title in Las Vegas. However, the Grand Prix on the iconic Strip not only sets the stage for a decisive race but also marks the start of the toughest sequence of the year. “The schedule in Vegas is a challenge in itself,” Verstappen has stated. “The night race pushes us drivers to the limit as we have to significantly adjust our biological clocks.”
From Las Vegas to Qatar: A Marathon
After the night race in Nevada, a monstrous flight to Qatar awaits. The distance between the two Grand Prix weekends is more than 13,000 kilometers, and the journey takes at least eighteen hours on a regular flight. “These kinds of triple-headers would make more sense if the races were planned closer together,” suggests the Dutchman. The massive time difference, in particular, makes the transition difficult. It is eleven hours later in Qatar than in Las Vegas, posing an additional challenge for the drivers and teams.
Grueling Conditions in Qatar
The second race in the series, the Qatar Grand Prix, brings back memories of the extremely harsh conditions of last year. The desert temperatures made the race nearly unbearable. Drivers struggled with dehydration and overheating. Logan Sargeant even had to prematurely park his car because he fell ill. This year, the race is being held later in the season, which means the temperatures are on average slightly lower. However, Verstappen emphasizes that the physical strain at the end of the season should not be underestimated. “After such a long season, you’re just more tired and susceptible to illness. The frequent flying doesn’t help,” he says.
The grueling triple-header concludes in Abu Dhabi, just a few hundred kilometers from Qatar. Although the travel distance is limited this time, the final race remains a battle of attrition. Verstappen sees the finale as an opportunity to give it his all, but emphasizes that the Formula 1 organization needs to think more carefully about the calendar layout in the future. “A balanced schedule would be better for everyone,” says Verstappen.
